Chess Olympiad: Too Close and early to Predict

Chess Olympiad: Too Close and early to Predict

Raphael Buti and Grace Kigeni recorded bold statements during the opening round of the FIDE chess rated players who are vying for the World Chess Olympiad games in Poland later this year.

At a well-attended event held at the Pope Paul Memorial center over the weekend, both players scored 4 out of the possible 4 to set the early pace of the qualifiers that will climax in May.

Buti beat Dennis Kibuuka, Richard Tugume, Bob Bibasa and the 2000 national junior chess champion, Farouq Fauza to take the men’s lead. He will have to face a test of character and composure as he faces the game’s cream including Grace Nsubuga next weekend.

“This is just the beginning, I hope to maintain my level of thinking on the board and win the games to make the cut come May”, Buti told Crooze fm Sports.

Only 12 players will be considered out of 36 from next weekend’s second round before a 1st – 4th May round up to choose the best 4 players who will join International Master (IM), Elijah Emojong to make Uganda’s team.